Improving our Sound!

Funded Dec 26, 2017

Thank you, thank you, thank you! The students and I were overwhelmed with not only your generosity, but the speed at which the help came. The changes these materials brought to our group were immense. Some happened instantly, while others developed (and are still developing) over time. When the saxophonists saw their new mouthpieces and ligatures they were so excited! But, when the real excitement happened when they put them on their instruments. Delightfully surprised best describes their reaction. It's amazing what a change the mouthpieces and ligatures brought to the quality of their sound, and therefore their interest in playing and consistency in practicing! The tuners inspired more student leadership in the band, where mostly every student in each section wanted to be the first to the band room so they could grab the tuner and tune their section. The one student who leads the group in tuning (often called a concert master, but not in my ensemble as it reinforces a white, European, male dominance that reinforces musical discrimination/under-representation and harms pro-intersectional equity) was able to make sure he stayed in tune as he tuned the ensemble. We had a rehearsal a few weeks ago where their sound transported me back to Delaware Senior All-State Band. The sound was so balanced, in-tune and rich... only achievable by how they've learned to use the tuners and their ears to adjust.

Our next step as an ensemble is to get out and play! We've written (are are continuing to write) so many songs! We currently need a lot of repairs, so the next donation may focus on this if possible! If not, then maybe we'll look to the generosity of the funders on Donor's choose to send us to a music festival!”

With gratitude,

Mr. Brown